In Comcast's Remote Tune system, it is undisputed that before any video content is sent by the VOD system, the set-top box sends a start session message to the VOD system. That message includes, among other things, the video content selected by the user. Without the communications sent by the set-top box to the VOD system, the VOD system does not send video content to the television and nothing happens. Thus, the set-top box is involved in remote control of the VOD system in order for Comcast's Remote Tune system to function. Comcast's set-top box is more than a passive receiver that decodes and displays VOD content; it plays an active role in remotely controlling the VOD system.